DUFC

PATERSON WINNER ENSURES UNITED'S SPL FUTURE

17th May 2003

This was an important day for both United and Partick fans but for different reasons. Jags fans turned out to witness the last home game of retiring manager John Lambie whilst the 3000 or so Arabs who made the journey to Firhill were there to encourage United in their quest to finish the league campaign on a win which would secure SPL status.

Despite a poor first half that saw few goal-scoring opportunities for either side, the crowd were treated to a more entertaining, if at times nervy second period. Jim Paterson (pictured) scored the only goal of the game with an hour gone. Charlie Miller fired in a good effort but the Thistle keeper failed to hold it and Paterson was first to react slotting home from close range for his first goal since April 2002.

It was the Arabs who were the happier support at the end and when news of Motherwell's defeat at home at the hands of Aberdeen filtered through it made no real difference as the Terrors had ensured their status in the SPL by their own efforts. They go in to the last game against Aberdeen next week equal on points with Partick and seven points clear of the bottom club.

Final score Partick Thistle 0 Dundee United 1.

Partick Thistle: Budinauckas, Lilley (Whyte 86), Archibald, Craigan, McGowne, Milne, Fleming (Mitchell 63), Lennon (Shields 79), Britton, Hardie, Burns.

Subs Not Used: Arthur, Rushford.

Dundee United: Combe, Duff, Bollan, Tod, Lauchlan, Griffin, Easton (Latapy 52), Miller, Lilley, McIntyre (Dodds 75), Paterson (Wilson 68).

Subs Not Used: Gallacher, McCracken.